Is the Salah valid if a person’s buttocks become visible in sajdah?

Mufti saab, can please explain the status of the salat, if during the prayer the back becomes visible and sometimes to the extent the private part becomes visible. Because its become a common thing people come to the masjid with such short T-shirts that during ruku and sajda everything is visible. Also at times during a congregation salat it becomes visible to the person praying behind. Is the person praying behind salat invalidated as well.. somebody told me that the salat is invalid. Some people told me that even the wudhu breaks. Please Clarify

Jazakallah

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

In principle, if a quarter of a limb within the ‘awrah (private area which must be concealed during prayer) is exposed with intent or without concern, the Salāh will be invalidated instantly, even if it be for a moment.[1]

The ‘awrah of a male in Salāh is from the belly button to the knees. The ‘awrah of a female in Salāh is her entire body besides her face, hands and feet.[2]

However, if a quarter of a limb within the ‘awrah was exposed mistakenly or involuntarily, Salāh will only be invalidated if it remained exposed for the duration of reciting Subhāna Rabī al-‘Alā three times.[3]

If less than quarter of a limb within the ‘awrah was exposed involuntarily or a quarter of a limb within the ‘awrah was exposed less than the duration of reciting Subhāna Rabī al-‘Alā three times, the Salāh will not be invalidated.[4]

The limbs within the ‘awrah for males are as follows:

1) The whole reproductive organ 2) The testicles 3) The anus[5] 4) Each buttock is an individual limb 5) Each thigh with the knee is an individual limb 6) From the navel to the pubic area and the area parallel to this from the sides and back.

The limbs within the ‘awrah for females are as follows:

1) The whole reproductive organ 2) The anus 3) Each buttock is an individual limb 4) Each thigh with the knee is an individual limb 5) From the navel to the pubic area and the area parallel to this from the sides and back. 6) Each calf with the ankle is an individual limb 7) Each breast is an individual limb 8 ) Each ear in an individual limb 9) Each upper arm with the elbow is an individual limb 10) Each forearm with the wrist is an individual limb 11) The hair 12) The head 13) The neck 14) Each shoulder is an individual limb[6]

Coming back to the question, each buttock is regarded as an individual limb as cited above. Therefore, if even a quarter of one buttock is exposed due to carelessness and lack of concern, the Salāh will be invalidated instantly. If a quarter of one buttock is exposed involuntarily or mistakenly for the duration of reciting Subhāna Rabī al-‘Alā three times, the Salāh will be invalidated.

It is common that the top section of both buttocks is revealed simultaneously. When multiple limbs from the ‘awrah are exposed, and the total amount exposed is equivalent to a quarter of the smallest limb, the Salāh will be invalidated with the conditions stipulated above. Therefore, if even one-eighth (1/8) of both buttocks is exposed, the Salāh will be invalidated instantly if it is on account of carelessness and lack of concern. If one-eighth of both buttocks is exposed involuntarily or mistakenly for the duration of reciting Subhāna Rabī al-‘Alā three times, the Salāh will be invalidated.[7]